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CIIT Committee Meeting

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Minutes of Proceedings

Standing Committee on International Trade (CIIT)
45th Parliament, 1st Session
Meeting 15
Monday, November 24, 2025, 3:30 p.m. to 5:43 p.m.
Webcast
Presiding
Hon. Judy A. Sgro, Chair (Liberal)

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• Randy Hoback for Adam Chambers (Conservative)
• David McKenzie for Matt Jeneroux (Conservative)
• Tako Van Popta for Jason Groleau (Conservative)
Library of Parliament
• Bashar Abu Taleb, Analyst
• Simon Richards, Analyst
Canada and the Forthcoming CUSMA Review
Canadian Animal Health Institute
• Catherine Filejski, President and Chief Executive Officer
Canada Organic Trade Association
• Tia Loftsgard, Executive Director
Canadian Institute of Steel Construction
• Keanin Loomis, President and Chief Executive Officer
Canadian Labour Congress
• Bea Bruske, President
• Elizabeth Kwan, Senior Researcher
Digital Media Association
• Graham Davies, President and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Thursday, September 18, 2025, the committee resumed its study of Canada and the forthcoming CUSMA review.

Tia Loftsgard, Catherine Filejski, Keanin Loomis, Bea Bruske, and Graham Davies made statements and answered questions.

Motion

Jacob Mantle moved, — That the Standing Committee on International Trade report to the House its disappointment that despite a unanimous request by the Committee, the Minister of Industry has failed to appear before it in respect of its study on the forthcoming review of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA); and that, the Committee recalls its opinion, expressed in its motion of September 18, 2025, which specifically identified the Minister of Industry as a responsible Minister in respect of its study, that the Minister of Industry’s appearance is necessary for the committee to complete its review of the CUSMA, particularly given the critical importance of that agreement to the Canadian economy including those industries for which the Minister of Industry is responsible such as the automotive, forestry, energy, critical minerals, steel, aluminum, and agricultural industries and their workers.

Debate arose thereon.

It was agreed, — That debate on the motion of Jacob Mantle be adjourned until 5:00 p.m.

At 4:43 p.m., the meeting was suspended.

At 4:49 p.m., the meeting resumed.

Questioning of the witnesses resumed.

At 5:02 p.m., the meeting was suspended.

At 5:15 p.m., the meeting resumed.

Committee Business
The committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to committee business.

It was agreed, — That the proposed budget in the amount of $22,200, for the study of Canadian supply chains, forced labour, and related imports, be adopted.

Notice of Motion

Linda Lapointe gave notice of the following motion:

That, pursuant to its mandate to promote Canada’s international trade interests, the committee undertake a study on opportunities to diversify Canada’s trade with North and West Africa, in order to capitalize on the regions’ economic momentum, strengthen Canada’s presence on the African continent, and leverage the Francophonie as a strategic channel to expand trade and partnerships.

That the study examine, among other topics:

a) high-potential sectors for Canadian businesses, including SMEs;

b) existing and potential trade tools, including export financing, trade facilitation, and reduction of non-tariff barriers;

c) partnership and innovation opportunities between Canada, the provinces, and regional African organizations;

d) sustainability, governance, and inclusion considerations to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes;

e) Canada’s role in supporting regional value chains and industrial co-production;

f) opportunities within the Francophonie to facilitate trade, including institutional cooperation, business and innovation networks, mutual recognition of standards, and mobility of talent.

That the committee hold up to four (4) meetings, invite witnesses from government, industry, academia, and civil society in Canada and the regions concerned, and report its findings and recommendations to the House of Commons.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That the motion moved by Jacob Mantle, which read as follows, be withdrawn:

That the Standing Committee on International Trade report to the House its disappointment that despite a unanimous request by the Committee, the Minister of Industry has failed to appear before it in respect of its study on the forthcoming review of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA); and that, the Committee recalls its opinion, expressed in its motion of September 18, 2025, which specifically identified the Minister of Industry as a responsible Minister in respect of its study, that the Minister of Industry’s appearance is necessary for the committee to complete its review of the CUSMA, particularly given the critical importance of that agreement to the Canadian economy including those industries for which the Minister of Industry is responsible such as the automotive, forestry, energy, critical minerals, steel, aluminum, and agricultural industries and their workers.

On motion of Jacob Mantle, it was agreed, —

That the committee direct the Chair to draft a letter requesting the Minister of Industry to appear before committee on its study of Canada and the forthcoming CUSMA review, consistent with the motion the committee previously adopted on Thursday, September 18, 2025;

That the minister be asked to respond by noon on December 4, 2025;

That, if the minister fails to respond or responds that she will not appear, the committee report to the House the following:

That the Standing Committee on International Trade report to the House its disappointment that despite a unanimous request by the Committee, the Minister of Industry has failed to appear before it in respect of its study on the forthcoming review of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA); and that, the Committee recalls its opinion, expressed in its motion of September 18, 2025, which specifically identified the Minister of Industry as a responsible Minister in respect of its study, that the Minister of Industry’s appearance is necessary for the committee to complete its review of the CUSMA, particularly given the critical importance of that agreement to the Canadian economy including those industries for which the Minister of Industry is responsible such as the automotive, forestry, energy, critical minerals, steel, aluminum, and agricultural industries and their workers.

The committee resumed consideration of the motion of Adam Chambers moved on Monday, November 17, 2025 which read as follows:

That the committee report to the House that it condemns the unjustified American tariffs on the Canadian steel and aluminum industry, and that it calls upon the government to live up to the promise it made in the election to “negotiate a win” for the workers whose livelihoods depend on a good deal for Canada.

It was agreed, — That debate on the motion of Adam Chambers be adjourned to Thursday, November 27, 2025, at the last half hour of the meeting.

At 5:43 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.



Grant McLaughlin
Clerk of the committee